Wintering Satsuki in Zone 5b

[Umeboshi]

I picked up a Satsuki Azaela over the summer. I usually stay away from trees that are not cold hardy in my area but broke my rule on this one. I have put it in my basement for the winter but I am not sure if this is the best spot for it. The basement is unheated and probably stays in the 50s for the winter.
Does the tree need light in winter? Is the temperature in my basement cold enough? It seems like the leaves are shriveling a bit and the soil is drying out very quickly so I am unsure if the tree has actually gone dormant.

 

[Ris]

I picked up a Satsuki Azaela over the summer. I usually stay away from trees that are not cold hardy in my area but broke my rule on this one. I have put it in my basement for the winter but I am not sure if this is the best spot for it. The basement is unheated and probably stays in the 50s for the winter.
Does the tree need light in winter? Is the temperature in my basement cold enough? It seems like the leaves are shriveling a bit and the soil is drying out very quickly so I am unsure if the tree has actually gone dormant.

The experience from these guys will lead you in the correct path...

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I would be more likely to chance it in a basement than a window to at least provide a stable environment, though neither are good. Windows heat up, pots bake on one side, and the air is dry.

Do you have a garage? Satsukis can take a frost, but not deep freezes and thaws.

I'm not conceived they need light in the winter, the leaves change color, which suggests chlorophyll has withdrawn, greatly reducing photosynthesis. Maybe someone with more horticultural knowledge will weigh in to clarify.

 

[Umeboshi]

Do you have a garage? Satsukis can take a frost, but not deep freezes and thaws.

I do have an unheated garage where I store my trees during the winter (for wind protection). I do not think it remains much warmer than outside if at all. I had thought of potentially putting the tree in the garage on the wall bordering the rest of the house because it should be a little warmer. Not sure still if it would be warm enough though.

 

[Umeboshi]

Matt,
Light from a window with a drip tray under it indoors may be a better chance... If its a tree your willing to keep inside for winter

I hesitate to do that. Anything except some tropicals really need a period of cold to rest each year.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I do have an unheated garage where I store my trees during the winter (for wind protection). I do not think it remains much warmer than outside if at all. I had thought of potentially putting the tree in the garage on the wall bordering the rest of the house because it should be a little warmer. Not sure still if it would be warm enough though.

Sounds like an option, if you can keep it insulated from wind, and and protected from the elements. Maybe buried in a heavy layer of mulch...? Satsukis are zone 7-9, and zone 7 can experience temperatures in the lower teens. My (kurume and Indica) azaleas have been fine down to 12 or 13, in pots, and under pine straw.

 

[garywood]

Matt, in general, satsukis have a wide geographical range. They have been crossed and re-crossed over the generations that the origins of most is very confused. Generally those from the north have narrow and longer leaves and those from the south which have rounder leaves. Those from the north are more cold tolerant so depending on what you have, specifically, can possibly make a zone or two difference. One winter in an unheated basement should not be "critical" one way or the other if water is monitored. Just pay close attention to condition to color and vigor going in and coming out next spring. Even take photos to document condition going in and coming out so you will have a base to know what to expect.
Wood

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Hey Wood...please clarify for those from the North...when you said unheated basement, were you referring to his unheated garage, or his basement under the house?

A regional thing we learned upon moving to AL, that usually basement = garage...

 

[garywood]

Brian, I was looking at z5 Mass. and not knowing specifics of unheated garage, unheated basement seemed a safer bet for a base-line.
Wood
ps. Brian, I was talking stasuki with "narrow leaves"

 

[Umeboshi]

Thank you guys for your replies. Attached is a photo of the leaves, they are more rounded than narrow. The temperature right now where the tree is in the basement is 58F. It will probably get a bit cooler through the winter but not much. The rootball is drying out fully every few days which is kinda scaring me. It is in an organic free mixture but even so I did not expect to have to water this much in the winter.

Gary, what are your thoughts on whether Azalea's need light in winter?

 

[garywood]

Matt, at that temp. they are going to need light. Maybe the garage would work like Brian suggested. They can take freezing but extended freezes I would be cautious about.
Wood

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

to the best of my knowledge, for most zone 7 and colder zone trees, to keep these temperate trees dormant, the temperature should ideally be below 40 F most of the time. Anything over 45 F for more than a few days runs the risk of the tree waking up. I'm in zone 5b also. I have an unheated well house, it hovers between 32 and 45 most winters. I put my Satsuki in there after leaving them on the bench outside until the temps drop to 25 F. The pots are usually frozen when I put my trees into the well house. Reason being, I want to make sure they are fully dormant before sticking them in the dark.

I think your unheated garage is a better bet. Have your Satsuki on a tray, or in a box, or in a styrofoam cooler. What ever you choose, but if you hear the temps are going to plunge to sub-zero, then move the box down to the basement for a couple days until the 'deep freeze' passes. You can even add ice packs to the box while it is in your basement. Lately our winters have not been too bad, so for the bulk of our zone 5b winters, they will be fine in the garage. Key is you don't want them coming out of dormancy unless you have a protected place where they can really grow.